Planning restrictions on micro-generation to be lifted

The removal and reduction of planning restrictions on small scale micro-generation schemes – including solar panels and small turbines – will come into effect next year, the government has confirmed.

Planning minister, Yvette Cooper, has promised to publish detailed proposals for the new planning regime in the autumn which will clarify the position on equipment size and its impact on neighbours.

This initiative forms part of the administration's review of permitted development rights and will be included as part of a planned new Householder Permitted Development Order.

Cooper said: "It is absurd that you should be able to put a satellite dish up on your house but should have to wrestle with the planning process for small micro-generation which is no more obtrusive and can have a real impact on tackling climate change."

The report just produced by the Householder Developments Consents Review steering group pointed out: "Uncertainty about what is permitted development and the costs and time required for obtaining planning permission are seen as barriers to the wider adoption of the latest emerging technologies."

In a related development, energy minister Malcolm Wicks has obtained planning permission from the Borough of Croydon for a Windsave turbine on the roof of his family home in south London.

Conservative leader David Cameron is hoping to have his proposed turbine scheme on his house in Notting Hill approved by the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea shortly. 

Householder Development Consents Review Steering Group Report

Roger Milne

6 July 2006